Can-testing machine.



Patented May 6, |902.

No. 699,539; Patented May s, |9027. E. J. LEwls.

CANv TESTING MACHINE.

(Application med may 23, 1901.1

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

lnmwslfo'v tbcmwg wz Noanls PETERS ca Pnooumo., WASHINGTON, D. c,

TTE

STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CAN-TESTING MACHINE.

SPECEFICATIQN forming part of Letters Patent No. 699,539, dated May 6, 1902.

Application filed May 23, 1901. Serial No. 61,656. (No model.)

larly to certain novel mechanism for imparting a rocking or oscillatory motion to the cancarrying devices; and it consists, essentially, of the arrangement and combination of the various parts, as will be hereinafter fully described, and briefly stated in the claims.

The principal object of the invention is to provide machines of the character mentioned with a simple and inexpensive power-driven mechanism so constructed and arranged that it will intermittently impart to the shaft, to which the can-carriers are attached, an oscillatory motion, by means of which one of the can-carriers will be moved through the body of water While the other is being moved out, said mechanism being so arranged that a sufiicient interval of time will occur at the end of each oscillation as will permit the can which has moved out of the water to be replaced by another. This object is attained by means of the mechanism illustrated in the drawings, in which- Figure lis a perspective view of a can-testing machine, showing my improved mechanism for operating the same; Fig. 2, a transverse vertical section through the center thereof; Fig. 3, an end elevation of the canholding devices,showing the shaft in section;` and Fig. Il, an end elevation of the can-clam ping devices.

Referring to the several Views, the letter ct indicates a water-tight box or receptacle of with an air-port e'.. Secured on the shaft is a hub f, provided with two arms f', arranged at right angles to each other. Each arm is provided with outwardly-extending can holders or supports f2 and with asuitable rubber disk f3 for closing the opening in the head of the can. The rubber disk and head of each arm is provided with a central air-inletfl, and an air-tube g connects the air-inlet with one of the parts f5 in the hub f, the shaft being provided with suitable ports c, which alternately communicate with the port c' in the bearing e. Mounted on the shaft c is a box h, provided with longitudinal slots in two of its faces, in each of which is pivoted astandard 7b'. The upper end of each standard is provided with a clamping-plate h2, carried by an adjusting-screw provided with a bindingnut, said screw being set in said upper end of thestandard 7V, between which clampingplate and the head of the arm f a can is clamped. Loosely mounted on the shaft adjacent to the outer end of the box 7L and held against rotation by rod h3 isa cam t', and pivoted to the box above the cam is a roller j. The action of the clamp is automatic. As a can emerges from the water the roller drops into the recessed portion of the cam and a1- lows the clamp to fall back, releasing the can.

The mechanism for oscillating the shaft c is constructed as follows: Mounted rigidly on one end of the shaft is an arm 7c, carrying at oneend a pivoted stud 7a'. The outer end of this stud Ais provided with a hole throughV which operates one end of a rod l, the other end of the rod being pivotally connected to` lshaft o', also journaled in suitable bearings attached to the leg-braces. Mounted loosely on the other endof the shaft o is a bandwheel p, which receives its power from any suitable source. A clutch'q is secured'on the outer end of the shaft, and the band-wheel is shifted into and out of engagement with the same by means of any suitable shifting mech- ICO anism, preferably consisting ofthe yoke @connecting-rod r', and pivoted treadle r2.

In operating the machine the cans are seated upon the supports or holders]p2 and the clamps h2 properly adjusted. Power being applied to the band-Wheehthe shaft c is rocked back and forth. First one can and then the other will be carried into the body of Water and out again, and during this operation the rollers j ride on the periphery of the cams, keeping the cans firmly clamped between the rubber-faced head and the clamp h2; but when a can emerges from the Water and its carrying-arm assumes an upright position the roller j drops into the recessed portion of the cam and the can is released. The interval of time which occurs at the end of each oscillation is sufficient for the removal lof the can and its replacement by another.

Air may be applied to the cans from any suitable source to the pipe s, which communicates With the port e. As one can enters the Water air will be supplied thereto; but as the other can emerges from the water the airsupply to such can Will be cut off. It will be understood that any imperfection in the soldering of the can will be indicated by airbubbles in the Water as the can is moved in and out. The collars on the connecting-rod limit the distance of movement of the cans into the water.

Having thus fully described my invention,

what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a machine for testing cans, the combination With the main shaft provided with can carrying devices of the character described, of an operating-arm secured on said shaft, and mechanism for intermittently operating the arm to rock the shaft.

2. In a machine for testing cans, the combination with the main shaft provided With can-carryin g devices, of an operating-arm secured on said shaft, a perforated stud adjustably secured on the arm, a connectingrod slidably mounted in the stud and provided With adjustable stops, and means for operating the rod to rock the operating-arm and thereby the shaft.

In a can-testing machine, the combination with the main shaft provided With cancarrying devices, of an operating-arm secured on said shaft, a perforated stud adjustably secured on the arm, a connecting-rod having one end operating in the perforated stud and the other end pivotally connected to a crankarm secured on a gear-wheel, the gear-Wheel, and mechanism for driving said gear-Wheel. In testimony whereof I affix my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

ELGIE J'. LEWIS. Vitnesses:

GEORGE R. SHELDON, JOHN J. MACK. 

